Add BrightSurf on Google Email

Paracetamol use during pregnancy is linked to changed reproductive development in daughters

Researchers found that girls whose mothers took paracetamol during pregnancy had smaller ovaries, fewer ovarian follicles, and lower levels of reproductive hormones at three months old. The study, published in Human Reproduction Open, suggests that foetal exposure to paracetamol may affect reproductive development, but the findings do ...

SourceEuropean Society of Human Reproduction and Embryology·JournalHuman Reproduction Open·TypeObservational study·DateSep 8, 2026

Not all children with early puberty need the same level of testing or treatment

Children who start puberty earlier than usual may not need the same level of testing or treatment, according to a new Endocrine Society Clinical Practice Guideline. The guideline suggests different approaches for various subgroups, including monitoring girls with slow progression and using simpler testing methods.

SourceThe Endocrine Society·JournalThe Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism·DateJun 13, 2026

Summarizing ten years of research: new study explains why children enter puberty earlier

A new Danish study compiles ten years of research identifying several factors during pregnancy and childhood that advance the timing of puberty, including genetic predisposition, maternal health, and psychosocial stressors. The study found an average shift of about three months, affecting both physical wellbeing and later health outcomes.

SourceAarhus University·JournalInternational Journal of Epidemiology·TypeSystematic review·DateFeb 26, 2026

Early puberty may increase the risk of poor mental wellbeing and higher consumption of alcohol, cigarettes and drugs

A new study from Aarhus University finds that early puberty is associated with an increased risk of general psychological distress, psychiatric diagnoses, and the use of psychiatric medication. Girls who enter puberty early may have twice the risk of receiving psychiatric medication for mental health conditions compared to their peers.

SourceAarhus University·JournalJournal of Affective Disorders·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateFeb 17, 2026

A healthy diet in childhood is linked to starting menstrual periods later, regardless of BMI or height

A study published in Human Reproduction found that healthy childhood diets are associated with delayed onset of menstruation, independent of body mass index (BMI) or height. The research suggests that a diet high in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains may help reduce the risk of chronic diseases such as diabetes and breast cancer.

SourceEuropean Society of Human Reproduction and Embryology·JournalHuman Reproduction·TypeObservational study·DateMay 6, 2025

The gold standard of a randomized controlled study among NYC girls indicates that a book on puberty can lead to significant gains in knowledge and positive health outcomes

A randomized controlled study among NYC girls found that reading a book on puberty can lead to increased knowledge and positive attitudes towards physical activity during periods. The study, published in BMC Public Health, suggests that targeted puberty education can have significant impacts on young girls' health outcomes.

Salmon genes unlock secrets of puberty and evolution

Researchers discovered a single gene, vgll3, regulating thousands of genes in salmon sexual maturation, influencing traits like reproductive cell development and growth patterns. This study sheds light on how genetic variation can impact complex traits like puberty onset and has significant implications for managing wild populations.

SourceUniversity of Helsinki·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 17, 2024

Teenage hormonal shift surprises scientists – opposite impacts on kidney injury

Researchers found that female sex hormones may increase susceptibility to kidney injury during puberty, contradicting the protective effects seen in adulthood. The study suggests that developmental changes driven by the hormonal surge in puberty may override the benefits of female sex hormones later in life.

SourceInstitute for the Advanced Study of Human Biology (ASHBi), Kyoto University·JournalKidney International·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 4, 2024

Large variation in how girls grow after their first period

A study of 793 girls found significant variation in height growth after their first period, with most not reaching the expected 6-8 cm. Early onset of menstruation is linked to greater growth, while late onset is associated with shorter final height. Childhood BMI also plays a role in determining menarche age and subsequent growth.

SourceUniversity of Gothenburg·JournalFrontiers in Pediatrics·TypeObservational study·DateSep 27, 2024

Largest ever genetic study of age of puberty in girls shows links with weight gain

A large-scale genetic study has found a significant link between the age of puberty in girls and weight gain, highlighting potential risks for early puberty and obesity. The study identified over 1,000 genetic variants that influence the age of first menstrual period, with around 600 being observed for the first time.

SourceUniversity of Cambridge·JournalNature Genetics·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJul 1, 2024

Skin-deep resilience: Hidden physical health costs for minority youth overcoming adversity

A new study from the University of Illinois finds that high-striving minority youth in early adolescence may experience accelerated puberty development, a potential indicator of 'skin-deep resilience,' which can lead to physiological changes such as inflammation and metabolic disorders.

Why does puberty trigger us to stop growing?

New research from University of Illinois Chicago identifies a potential 'stop growing' switch triggered by steroid hormone ecdysone in fruit flies, which may relate to human puberty. The study's findings have implications for understanding the growth-stopping process in humans, particularly given recent changes in puberty onset.

SourceUniversity of Illinois Chicago·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 27, 2023

University of Cincinnati research shows PFA exposure may delay girls’ puberty

A University of Cincinnati study found that exposure to PFAS may delay the onset of puberty in girls by an average of five or six months. The researchers also discovered decreased hormone levels consistent with the delay, raising concerns about negative long-term health outcomes such as breast cancer and renal disease.

SourceUniversity of Cincinnati·JournalEnvironmental Health Perspectives·TypeObservational study·DateSep 29, 2023

Why are male kidneys more vulnerable to disease than female kidneys? USC Stem Cell-led mouse study points to testosterone

A USC Stem Cell-led mouse study reveals that lowering testosterone can improve the resilience of male kidneys by reducing their vulnerability to disease. The researchers also found that three months of calorie restriction has a similar effect, suggesting new potential treatments for kidney diseases.

SourceKeck School of Medicine of USC·JournalDevelopmental Cell·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 5, 2023

Youth overweight a risk factor for blood clots as adult

A University of Gothenburg study of over 37,000 men found that being overweight in childhood and young adulthood significantly increases the risk of venous blood clots later in life. The study also suggests that overweight in puberty has a marked impact on future risks of venous thrombi.

SourceUniversity of Gothenburg·JournalJournal of Internal Medicine·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMar 2, 2023

Reproductive factors in women contribute to risk of cardiovascular disease

A new study from Imperial College London finds that earlier first birth, higher number of live births, and starting periods at a younger age increase the risk of cardiovascular problems in women. The researchers hope their findings will help doctors better understand and monitor women's risk factors.

SourceImperial College London·JournalJournal of the American Heart Association·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateFeb 27, 2023

Oral contraceptives impact on women’s health: Age and gut microbiome may be determining factors

Research from the University of Ottawa finds that oral contraceptives' effects on brain and mood in women may be linked to age of onset and gut microbiome. The study suggests adolescence as a critical period for understanding OCs' impact, as it influences brain development and hormonal changes.

SourceUniversity of Ottawa·JournalFrontiers in Neuroendocrinology·TypeLiterature review·DateDec 15, 2022

THE LANCET CHILD & ADOL. HEALTH: Study suggests discontinuation of gender-affirming hormones in those who start treatment as adolescents is rare

A study of over 700 adolescents who underwent puberty suppression and then started gender-affirming hormone treatment found that 98% continued use. The findings contradict recent concerns about regret and support the long-term benefits of hormone therapy for young people with gender dysphoria.

SourceThe Lancet·JournalThe Lancet Child & Adolescent Health·TypeObservational study·DateOct 20, 2022